Check against delivery Intervention by Indonesian Delegation 7th Session Forum on Minority Issues Geneva, 25 - 26 November 2014 Thank your Mr. Chair, My delegation would like to offer some observations after the two-day deliberation in this Forum. First of all, let me re-iterate that Indonesia is the place where democracy and diversity are facts of life spreading through some 17 thousands islands with 24o million of populations. Against this background, the concept of minority has its own challenge and problem to be applied in Indonesia since the majority in one place can be minority in other place and vice versa. It is further complicated by the multiple and self-identification of an individual, mainly due to ethnicity, children from inter-ethnic marriage parents and place of residence. Nevertheless like many other plural society with various ethnics, religions and cultural backgrounds, Indonesia cannot escape from potential frictions and conflicts. The government fully realizes this condition and continues its efforts to manage it through democratic means and manner in line with prevailing laws and regulations. , Mr. Chair, From our experience of managing diversity and conflict in the society, at least five lessons, in my delegation's view, can be drawn: First, there must be a strong will and involvement of all relevant stakeholders, be them political and community leaders, civil society, independent institutions (such as NHRI), as well as the community itself. Second, local context and wisdom should be main point of reference. Bottom-up approach should always be promoted. Solution which is imposed from outside seldom, if never, works. Third, clear and consistent- implementation mechanisms should be devised. Fourth, administrative and financial support should be secured. Fifth, comprehensive approach should be taken, not only human rights, but also economic, political, security, and development. Mr. Chair. The Indonesian Constitution mandates and guarantees the protection of all people living in Indonesia from any form of discrimination. We implemented this through various measures in law and practice. For example, we have enacted Law No. 28 of 2008 on the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination. We also keep promoting interfaith dialogue in various levels. We have also